Appointments at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

What is the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)?

CETL is a resource for both students and faculty in Arts, Sciences & Engineering (AS&E), providing a range of programs to enhance both instructional practices and approaches to study. Formerly known as Learning Assistance Services (LAS), CETL has now added services for instructors and graduate students in the College. All of the LAS programs for students have been incorporated within CETL.

What services are available at CETL for students?

If you are a student in AS&E, either undergraduate or graduate, you are welcome to participate in our confidential study skills program or our study skills course, CAS 142: Methods of Inquiry. We provide a range of course-specific study groups, and CETL partners with academic departments to provide the workshop program, which consists of collaborative problem-solving groups for a wide range of courses. Individual and small group tutoring is also now available through the College tutoring program in CETL.

How do I set up an appointment at CETL?

Are my study skills appointments at CETL confidential?

Absolutely. Our policy is to maintain the confidentiality of all our study skills consultations with students.

How long does each study skills appointment last?

Each individual appointment lasts about an hour. Occasionally, students meet with us for a single study skills appointment; more commonly, our work together takes place across a number of conversations.

What can I expect from a study skills appointment at CETL?

We usually begin by just getting to know you! You may have a particular study problem that you would like help solving, or you may just wish to find out if there are more optimal ways to go about learning. Either way, we would be happy to talk with you.

How much do study skills appointments cost?

Disability Support

What kinds of disabilities receive support through CETL?

Disabilities such as Attention Deficit Disorder and other learning disabilities, as well as impairments of visual, hearing, and motor skills, are the types of challenges that receive support through CETL.Challenges relating to chronic illnesses and emotional disabilities are also recognized and provided for through CETL, as they relate to classroom accommodations. If you are unsure if your specific concerns qualify, please do not hesitate to contact CETL for clarification or assistance.

What kind of support in addition to classroom accommodations is available through the access coordinator?

Students are welcome to meet with the access coordinator to discuss general concerns, weekly and daily challenges, and also to strategize for future success. The role of the access coordinator is to help even the playing field for all students with disabilities in the classroom during their time here at the University of Rochester.

Study Groups

How do I sign up for a study group?

How many students are usually in a study group?

There can be anywhere from a single student to as many as fifteen in any given study group.

What if I need a study group for a course that doesn’t have one?

Though we're not currently taking requests for new study groups, CETL does have several other resources for students. Check out our tutoring and study skills consulting pages.

Why should I sign up for a study group?

Study groups are a great way to affirm for yourself that you really do know what you think you know. There is no such thing as a “silly question” in a study group. It is a comfortable place to learn from a student who has taken the same course recently enough to remember where you might need guidance.

Study Skills

How often can I meet with a study skills consultant?

You may meet with a study skills consultant for a one-time trouble-shooting session or on a continuing basis. You will decide this together with your consultant.

Is study skills support only for people who are doing poorly?

No. We see students who are on the dean's list, as well as students who are on academic probation. The determining factor isn't simply whether or not you're doing well academically; it's whether you feel you could be getting more from your studies or using your time more effectively.

What is "study skills support"?

Study skills support is a confidential service provided by CETL. It involves individual discussion with a consultant about ways to improve your academic performance and efficiency.

What topics does "study skills" include?

Lots! Your study skills consultant would be happy to talk to you about issues like:

Finding and maintaining motivation

Time management

Stress management

Determining and making use of your most successful learning styles

Taking better notes

Increasing reading comprehension

Handling multiple choice questions more successfully

If you have a concern and wonder whether we might help, just give us a call at (585) 275-9049.